My Weekly Etsy Finds

I am constantly amazed by people's crafty imagination and then their technical skills to actually bring their vision to life. Etsy is the perfect forum that connects these brilliantly creative people together. We benefit by finding unique, quirky, and sometime inexplicable items that we simple must purchase.

Here are my week's Etsy finds:

With the richness of these kimono-styled leather belts by elizabethkelly, I am totally anticipating fall. I can't wait to use one to cinch in all my patterned layers.


I have completely fallen for these black and white and sepia horse prints by equinoxphoto. What an unexpected way to balance colorful, contemporary decor.


I love that these scarves by ColorSprouts infuse a touch of sophistication into tie dye by using silk.


While Etsy seller amberike calls these "Hand Dandy Button Bookmarks," I would totally use them for their original purpose to spice up office life.


What are you favorite Etsy finds?

Tried Hot Yoga

Please give me a moment to stray from my fashion explorations to share a fitness find. After hearing about hot yoga for years, I finally mustered up the nerve to try it (I was originally paralyzed by the idea of fainting in an awkward position because of the heat, inevitable causing a domino falling of my fellow yoga-ers). To my surprise, it was approachable, relatable, doable, and totally refreshing.

The "can-do" tone was very much set by the instructor, owner of Yoga Story, and well practiced and passionate yogi, Cindee Joslin. The cute studio off the Bentonville square proved to be a place of peace and inner exploration as I managed to somewhat successfully contort my body into all the positions.

Miss Cindee offers several different class times with several different types of yoga all in the comfort of 90 degrees (it literally felt comfortable). The best part: she charges by donation only ... now that is true passion. Check out Yoga Story's site for more info and look for me in future classes, the one sweating buckets and loving it.

Denim, Denim, Everywhere

Have you noticed how everything has gone denim? I have wanted a soft, light denim button-up forever. One that is comfy, modern, and didn't break the bank. I found one today a Walmart thanks to Miley Cyrus herself. The original price tag said $18, but it rang up for only $10. I am totally wearing this tomorrow and turning denim Friday upside down.

Picture Source: Walmart.com

NARS Makeup at TJ

It was the hardest thing for me to pass up on, but I simply didn't need any of the NARS eyeshadow or lipgloss gift sets the Rogers TJ (2203 Promenade Blvd, Rogers, 479.621.0214) currently has in-stock. So! Please! I need one of my readers to reap the benefits. I found several boxes of product on the second beauty endcap and several pieces in the beauty sale dump bin near the shoes. Hurry my beauty divas ... before my strength gives way and I return to buy it all!

A Little Piece of Heaven

Ok, so maybe my title is a little over promising for most, but for my few fellow thrifting readers, they will agree on my position. A brand new and HUGE (9000 square feet) Goodwill just opened in Bentonville (1400 Walton Boulevard).

A couple of Friday's ago I explored my way through all the racks. Overall I found the merchandise in great condition and the store space to be extremely clean. I was hoping to find more vintage-like pieces, but the store offered more gentle used mainstream retailer options. However, my treasure finding radar did not let me down, so I did not leave empty handed. My lucky finds included a chunky knit sweater from Ireland and a long, knit, v-neck sweater straight out of the halls of Saved By the Bell (the 90s are in-style after all ... now I just need a pair of Doc Martins). This Goodwill is definitely a potential escape when I am in need of a thrifting oasis.

Read more on the store: here!

Shoes for Me and You

I know it has been a while, so if you are counting, I am sorry for not posting more often.

My fashion motivation has been re-ignited with my recent TJ find. After spotting these shoes several months ago but being too cheap to invest the $50, I have been watching them go lower and lower in price. On Saturday, they were at the ripe price of $20, so I gladly toted them home with me. The adorned suede makes them luxe enough for winter, but the bright fuchsia will be perfect for spring. If you love them and are as frugal as me, the Rogers TJ has tons of these left in various sizes.

Don't Be Played By Plato

I am always a sucker for a deal, so after I understood Plato's Closet's concept (buying and selling gently used brand name clothing), I had to check it out.

Noticing the inventory tends to skew more teen, I wasn't sure if a selling venture with my more sophisticated clothes would be successful. But I figured it was worth a try. I visited the Roger's location (there is one in Fayetteville too) with my laundry basket of neatly folded clothing branded BCBG, Max Rave, To The Max and H&M.

While waiting for the teen sales associate to judge if my fashion sense is Plato worthy, I perused the exisitng merchandise. From my bargain shopping expertise, Plato's is anything but a bargain with high prices and low quality. Used F21 and Old Navy shirts start at $10. Used designer jeans are priced at $55+ (HINT: Rock and Republic, Joes, etc. sell for $55 new at TJ Maxx). I even found the pair of F21 jeans that I bought new for $12.50 (everyday price) priced at $12 used. Don't think so.

A true bargain is the iconic Diane von Furstenberg printed wrap dress I discovered at Helping Hands thrift store for $18, which typically retails for close to $400.

I did sell $38.00 worth of clothes. So Plato's is a yes for selling and a no for buying. But I am not sure if my bargain shopping ethics can support them in the future.

Cozy Loving

Source: Who What Wear

After the constant snow and spending my holidays out west, I am totally obsessing about this "Northern Exposure" influence. The Indian inspired to lumber jack prints conjure up visions of cozy cabin escapes with pipping hot cups of tea. Then accessorized with faux fur, heeled hiking-esque boots, and turquoise jewelry potential gives me the stamina to make it through this already dreadful winter.

Looking where to find pieces to create this look? F21 is loaded with options under $30 bucks!

Guest Blogger: The Tale of an Amazing Find

Still not a TJ fan? Read this post from a dear friend, Natalie Anderson, and fellow TJ fanatic. If this doesn't change your mind, I suppose you are hopeless! (Don't forget to checkout the "compared at" price.)

If you’re like me, you have a hard time not picking up a few items for yourself while Christmas shopping for others. I had not considered this risk when my mom sent me to find a “fabulous” purse for her to give my sister for Christmas.

I went straight to my nearby TJ Maxx for their variety of styles and prices. While I found a few great options for my sister, there was one that called my name and I knew I could not give it up!

I found this amazing handbag in the clearance section, marked down to $90 from an original $180 TJ Maxx price. A little google searching after the purchase confirmed that this was a VERY good deal.

Some of you might be thinking I’m selfish for not giving the fabulous purse to my sister, but I can assure you that her personal style and lifestyle do not fit with this beauty. So I’m off the hook for any guilt!

The Weather Outside is Frightful

The single good thing about the sub freezing weather san snow is all the fun, cozy outerwear. Right now I am loving my mittens, which I happened to get at this year's War Eagle Craft Fair (craft fairs aren't just for your grandmother). The mittens are made from vintage sweaters and buttons and warmed up inside with a fuzzy fleece.

Don't want to wait until next year's craft fair? Check out this Etsy site with a similar mitten concept.

Guilt Free Shopping

I sometimes need a "me" break during the craziness of the holidays, but since it is the season of giving, I often feel guilty buying items for myself. I have the perfect solution: thrift store shopping. Look at these Frye-like boots I found today at the Springdale Salvation Army. The are real leather, and I love how the person before me has worn out the toes. It makes them look tougher. The best part: they were $10! Definitely guilt free!

I know that so many of you like the idea of thrift store shopping but are painfully afraid to venture on your own. If you need a "me" break this Saturday (December 12), let me know (via the comment section) and I will organize and lead a guided tour through a couple Rogers, AR thrift stores.

Can't get enough ...

...of BIG, embellished belts. I love how retro they look and how they have the ability to add personality to even plain jane tees. Best place to get them? Thrift stores!

Local Sample Sales ... Huh?

While I love the calm, slow pace of a small southern town, one thing I wish we had were big city sample sales. I imagine myself losing my prim and proper demeanor and fighting another budget consious shopper to the death for the 80% marked-down designer shoes that we both happened to find at the same time. In this fantasy, I always come out triumphant and walk out wearing the designer shoes. While in reality, I think my polite southern girl personality would prevail as I watch my enemy strut off with my heels.


Another thing that makes my fantasy completely impossible is the lack of sample sales anywhere outside of a major metropolis. But thanks to several online organizations, sample sales are as close as a computer mouse. Three of my favorites are Ideeli, Gilt Groupe, and Hautelook. This is how it works: They send you a daily email with the day's sample sale. There is a limited time frame and limited quantity and sizes of the deeply discounted, often high end designer products (not just clothes). You can upgrade your membership for a fee and get first dids on the loot (I don't think this is worth it). The slight catch is these are invitation only, so if you have a hankering for sample sales without the cat fights, comment on this post and I will send you an invite. Happy bargain shopping!

I just bought this awesome studded flat sandals (per my previous post) from Ideeli for $54!

The Good, The Bad, and The Really Ugly

I don't even remember when and how I discovered this store, but it's definitely a good one. However, be forewarned, if you struggle with TJ Maxx, you might have a nervous breakdown in Name Brand Clothing in Springdale (5320 W Sunset Ave, (479) 927-0999). But for me, a nervous breakdown is a small price to pay for the jackpot that is just waiting to be found. NBC gets its merchandise from department store close outs. And some of it is damaged and stained and all it is wrinkled. But if you are in need of a dress or super soft basic tees and tanks, I recommend it. Since the offerings can be a hit or miss, don't make it a last resort. Avoid Tuesday nights because they are closed for stocking and look over your potential purchases very carefully to ensure there is no damage.

Here are some things that I found during my last visit. And to make my husband proud, I didn't buy any of them, so they are ready and waiting for you to discover.

Marc by Marc Jacobs silk cocktail dress; original price was $330, NBC's price is $69.

Laundry shift dress. I love this print. This one didn't have an original price tag, but the NBC's price is $39.

Signette dusty pink cocktail dress that makes me crave cotton candy; original price tag said $316, NBC's price is $59.

Goodwill Hunting

In my quest to find fashion in the unexpected state of Arkansas, I thought I would take a trip to a less than expected place. It just so happens it is extremely easy on the wallet and has a one-of-a-kind feel to every discovered piece. Thrift store shopping! During our lunch break, my friend Becky and I did some "vintage" scouting at the Springdale Goodwill (1860 W Sunset Ave, Springdale, (479) 927-2023).


I love, LOVE this silk dress Becky found for so many reasons. First, the goldy, nude color. What a great canvas for pops of colorful jewelry or scarves or platform heels. (Not with me on the nude color? Check out Who, What, Wear.) Then, I love the cut for the retro quality of the pronounced shoulders. She found this great belt to help nip in the dress to show off her wonderful feminine figure.


We hit the belt jackpot...I am talking real snakeskin belts for a $1!!!

While thrift store shopping takes patience, the reward is finding the holy grail through the hundreds of useless pieces. All in all, this trip was quite successful. I found a high waisted leather skirt (after staring at it for 10 minutes I finally decided it is actually REALLY good pleather), a MaxMara stretch tee, and Kenneth Cole green suede pumps.

Goodwill Hunting Recos: I usually find the most success with blazers (especially with the trend of slightly oversized, "boyfriend" blazers), cardigans, pencil skirts, clutch purses, belts, shoes, and wool or leather coats. Be sure and check the cut and materials carefully. My new fashion mantra is just because I don't pay a lot doesn't mean I shouldn't invest in quality with every dollar I spend. Look for silk, wool, and cotton. Finally, make sure your piece doesn't have any holes or stains. When you get home, launder or dryclean your clothes and wipe out your shoes with a Clorox wipe.

I want to hear your thrifting stories. What is your best vintage find? Don't have any? Well, what are you waiting for? Go out and get one!